One of the tree species found in our riparian woodlands (within or close to watercourses and springs) is the narrow-leaved ash, il-fraxxnu or siġra tal-paċenzja (Scientific name: Fraxinus angustifolia). This tree, which is native of our islands, is typically associated with a permanent to near-permanent flow of water, such as perennial springs.
Fossil remains have shown that in the past the narrow-leaved ash was found growing naturally in Malta, unfortunately this tree was probably eradicated when man first started clearing valleys for agricultural purposes. The tree was however eventually reintroduced in areas such as Wied il-Luq and Marsalforn, although it still remains very rare and endangered today, owing to its restricted distribution in the wild and the rarity of its habitats.
The narrow-leaved ash is a large deciduous tree (which sheds its leaves in winter) with pinnate leaves, composed of slender and toothed leaflets. Its bark, which is smooth and pale grey in young specimens becomes ridged and furrowed with age.
In the early spring, flowers appear just before the foliage and following their fertilisation, pale brown fruit with flattened and fibrous wings are formed – these are known as samaras. The fruit’s particular shape enables the wind to carry the seeds further away from the parent tree, as well as allowing them to float along the freshwater courses.
The narrow-leaved ash is a strictly protected tree under national legislation; hence one should not prune, fell or uproot this tree without previously obtaining the necessary permits from the competent authorities.
More information may be obtained by e-mail: nature.requests@mepa.org.mt.
The United Nations declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity. Malta, together with many other countries around the globe, is carrying out a number of initiatives to celebrate life on earth and the value of biodiversity for our lives. We are all invited to take action in 2010 to safeguard the variety of life on earth: Biodiversity.